Study on peak cluster-depression rocky desertification landscape evolution and human activity-influence in South of China

Abstract

The peak cluster depression is a concentrated distribution of karst rocky desertification hazards in southern China. Under special water and soil conditions, the bare peak cluster slopes are covered with dense evergreen forests. The traditional human farming activities have affected the forest landscape on the slopes of the peak clusters, causing the phenomenon of point-like rock exposure on the slopes of the peak clusters, which can be repaired by natural forces; modern destructive economic activities rapidly degenerate the karst forest landscape into planar rocks. The exposed landscape is superimposed on the fragile karst environment, forming a large area of rocky desertification landscape, dissipating the basic conditions for the production and living of rural communities, and forming “karst ecological poverty”. “Blocking the mountains and nourishing forests” is the best way to restore the landscape of the peak forests. “Artificial afforestation” can provide seed banks for the areas with strong rocky desertification. Appropriate development of economic forests is an important measure to increase the income of farmers.